Common Handball Injuries In Physiotherapy
What is Handball?
Handball is a high-paced team sport played between two teams of seven players each (six outfield players and a goalkeeper). The game is played on a rectangular court with a goal at each end, and the objective is to score goals by throwing a ball into the opposing team's goal. Handball combines elements of basketball, soccer, and netball and is known for its fast pace and physicality.
Basic Rules:
Duration: A standard match consists of two 30-minute halves with a 10-15 minute halftime break.
Court Size: The court measures 40 meters in length and 20 meters in width.
Goals: Goals are scored by throwing the ball into the opponent's goal. Each goal counts as one point.
Ball Handling: Players can pass, throw, or dribble the ball, but they cannot hold it for more than three seconds or take more than three steps without dribbling.
Defense: Physical contact is allowed, but it must be within the rules. Excessive force or dangerous play is penalized.
Common Injuries in Handball
Handball players are prone to various injuries due to the sport's high-intensity, physical nature. Common injuries include:
Ankle Sprains: Often caused by sudden changes in direction or landing awkwardly after a jump.
Knee Injuries: Including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, meniscus injuries, and patellar tendinitis.
Shoulder Injuries: Such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocations, and labral tears, often due to repetitive throwing motions.
Finger Injuries: Sprains, fractures, and dislocations due to ball handling and contact with other players.
Muscle Strains: Particularly in the hamstrings, quadriceps, and calf muscles.
Concussions: Resulting from falls, collisions, or being struck by the ball.
Physiotherapy Management of Common Handball Injuries
Ankle Sprains:
Acute Phase: Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and pain management.
Rehabilitation: Strengthening exercises, balance and proprioception training, and gradual return to sport-specific activities.
Prevention: Ankle taping or bracing, proper footwear, and strength training.
Knee Injuries:
ACL Tears: Surgical intervention may be required. Post-surgery, physiotherapy includes range of motion exercises, strength training, and gradual return to sports.
Meniscus Injuries: Depending on the severity, treatment may be conservative (rest and physiotherapy) or surgical.
Patellar Tendinitis: Eccentric exercises, stretching, and activity modification.
Shoulder Injuries:
Acute Phase: Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications.
Rehabilitation: Rotator cuff strengthening, scapular stabilization exercises, and gradually increasing the throwing load.
Prevention: Strength and conditioning programs focusing on shoulder stability and proper throwing mechanics.
Finger Injuries:
Acute Phase: Splinting, rest, and pain management.
Rehabilitation: Range of motion exercises, strengthening, and gradual return to gripping and ball-handling activities.
Muscle Strains:
Acute Phase: RICE and anti-inflammatory medications.
Rehabilitation: Gradual stretching and strengthening exercises, and return to sport-specific activities.
Prevention: Proper warm-up routines, flexibility training, and strength conditioning.
Concussions:
Acute Phase: Immediate removal from play, medical assessment, and rest.
Rehabilitation: Gradual return to cognitive and physical activities following a structured protocol.
Prevention: Education on proper techniques and adherence to safety protocols.
Summary of Key Points
Handball is a high-paced Olympic sport involving two teams of seven players.
Common injuries include ankle sprains, knee injuries (ACL tears, meniscus injuries, patellar tendinitis), shoulder injuries, finger injuries, muscle strains, and concussions.
Physiotherapy management varies by injury but generally includes initial rest and pain management, followed by rehabilitation focused on restoring function and preventing recurrence.
Prevention strategies involve proper training, conditioning, and adherence to safety protocols.
Understanding the nature of handball and its common injuries can help in developing effective treatment and prevention strategies, ensuring athletes can perform at their best while minimising the risk of injury.
